Launch of Bharat Taxi Service in Uttar Pradesh, from Lucknow to Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj

The Uttar Pradesh Transport Department today officially launched the “Bharat Taxi” service, planning to establish Lucknow as a hub and connect Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj. This initiative has been started with the aim of making intercity travel within the state accessible and reliable, where earlier the availability of private taxis and ride‑hailing apps had been uneven. The government has entered into extensive agreements with local taxi unions, electric‑vehicle manufacturers and technology partners for this service, so that passengers can have online booking, real‑time tracking and digital‑payment facilities.

Under “Bharat Taxi,” more than 500 electric and hybrid vehicles have been included in the initial phase, selected with environmental standards in mind. Each vehicle is equipped with GPS, an ambulance‑like emergency button, and a camera system for passenger safety. The service is managed using the state’s public‑private partnership (PPP) model, keeping operational costs controlled while keeping fares competitive. According to early reports, more than 150 passengers daily have used this new system between Lucknow‑Varanasi and Lucknow‑Kanpur, and a positive impact on local commercial activities is also expected.

The head of the Transport Department said that in the future “Bharat Taxi” will be expanded to more cities, with attention also being given to route extensions, adding more electric vehicles, and improving customer service. This initiative is considered aligned with the state government’s Digital India and Swachh Bharat Mission goals.